Globally, an estimated 600 million people suffer health problems caused by contaminated food each year, with 420,000 dying as a result.
When buying food storage containers, it’s important to ensure they’re made specifically for this use. Manufacturers in the UK must follow the correct processes to guarantee food safety by adhering to mandatory regulations.
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Why is food safety important?
In the UK, there are an estimated 2.4 million cases of food poisoning each year. Luckily, some are relatively minor.
However, around 74,000 victims go to their GP and 7,600 are admitted to hospital. Foodborne illnesses can lead to long-lasting health problems. On average, there are 180 UK deaths each year caused by foodborne diseases.
The majority (31%) are caused by foodborne norovirus, while salmonella and listeria account for 18% and 14% of the fatalities respectively.
Salmonella is particularly unpleasant, as the symptoms include headaches, fever, abdominal pain, diarrhoea and vomiting. It is mainly caused by ingesting contaminated products of animal origin including undercooked meat such as poultry, eggs and milk or contaminated fruit and vegetables.
Listeria is among the most serious infections for elderly people, children and infants. It can be found in various ready-to-eat foods and unpasteurised dairy products.
What does food grade mean?
You may have heard the terms “food grade” and “food safe” in connection with food storage. It’s important to know what the two terms mean, as they can’t be interchanged.
Food grade refers to a material that can safely come into direct contact with food. High-quality food grade storage containers are made from certified polypropylene or HDPE and feature smooth, rounded internal sides, so they are easy to clean.
The question “What is food grade?” is relevant for businesses involved in manufacturing containers for the food sector. It is also important for companies in the leisure and hospitality industry who serve meals to customers and to food retail businesses.
The important thing about food grade materials is that they can safely come into direct contact with food intended for human consumption. They must be non-toxic and suitable for use within a recommended temperature range.
Food safe products are linked to the same uses but have a slightly different meaning. All food safe products are made from food grade materials.
A food safe material is exactly what it says - safe to use around food. However, a food grade material is safe only when used appropriately.
For example, a container made for storing dry foods is safe for this particular application, but you shouldn’t use it to store hot liquids, as this may jeopardise its safety.
Penalties for breaching food safety laws
The end user needs to follow the rules very carefully when it comes to handling and storing food, as the consequences of breaches could be serious.
Businesses in the hospitality industry who don’t follow the rules, leading to a customer suffering food poisoning, will find themselves responsible for the outbreak.
This could lead to a hefty fine, or even closure of their premises if environmental health officials believe the breach is serious enough. The EHOs have powers under various food hygiene regulations, such as the Food Safety Act 1990.
Food grade distinction is vital, because if there’s a fault in the supply chain that can put consumers at risk, this can result in the business shutting down for good. A sick customer can also sue an errant hospitality business for compensation.
People working in kitchens who wish to be food grade compliant should take simple steps to ensure they don’t break the law.
Always make sure the material is used within the appropriate safe temperature range and that it’s suitable for the type of food it will be used with.
The material’s integrity should not falter during regular cleaning and sanitation processes.
The best sustainable kitchen products are food safe, such as those supplied by Solent Plastics. Our food storage trays and stacking containers are ideal for use in all commercial kitchens.
Food hygiene at Christmas
Christmas is one of the busiest and most hectic times for a kitchen, with extra cooking and food preparation particularly in hotels, restaurants and pubs.
People are more likely to get food poisoning at Christmas, according to the Food Safety Information Council, with up to 20% of the population eating something that upsets their stomach.
The main reason is the sheer volume of food being prepared, which can lead to slip-ups in defrosting, heating and storing meals.
Leaving food out of the fridge for too long lets bacteria multiply. If the food is being prepared before an event, non-perishable items, such as Christmas cake or mince pies, aren’t a problem.
However, items such as the turkey, casseroles, desserts and fresh cream need to be prepared and then chilled before serving.
Another common mistake is leaving a buffet out for too long in a hot room or taking a “doggy bag” home after a meal but failing to refrigerate it quickly enough.
If you’re preparing festive food, make sure you spread Christmas cheer, not food poisoning misery!